I am admittedly guilty of years of "collecting" gift wrapping supplies. I have a storage container under my bed full of wrapping paper, bags, tissue paper, cards, labels and curling ribbon. All things I forget all about when I'm giving a gift, so I end up buying more AND reverting to my usual packrat self when I receive a gift -- any salvageable parts go in my bin to be forgotten until I've already bought more paper.
So, this year I'm refusing to buy more paper. My gifts are going out in reusable jars, tins and hat boxes. And I have a few suggestions for your gifts too.
Consider placing kitchen themed gifts such as utensils rolled up in coordinating potholders, oven mitts or flour sack towels. Wrap a cookbook in an apron, fill a decorative cookie jar with all the makings to whip up a batch of gooey chocolate chip cookies. Add a little ribbon and you're done!
For boxed items, consider whether or not the box can be turned inside out. This is especially a fun idea for children who can use the box as a canvas (and possibly buy you a few minutes of free time while they decorate!)
Winter scarves are great for wrapping up just about anything that will fit, and a small jewelry box or trinket can be tucked away in a mitten or hung from the tree hidden in plain sight.
Fabric from the craft store works too. If you're handy with a sewing machine at all you can make covers custom made to fit your gift that will serve as a protective cover long term.
Spa gifts are great rolled up in a bath towel or wash cloth and a new pair of slippers look extra cozy wrapped up in a fluffy robe.
Also consider decorative containers that have lots of reuse potential. I've selected some boxes from Hobby Lobby that I know can be used later on as storage for fragile ornaments. The possibilities are endless, and skimping on the wrapping paper saves you a pretty penny that can make those holiday dollars stretch a little further. Plus less to stuff in a garbage bag when the unwrapping is over.
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